Beyond the hustle and the money, speaking on real-life issues has always been the foundation of rap. But the art of storytelling isn't a skill that every so-called rapper can master.

One of Delaware’s elite has been telling his story for a while, and it may not be what you would expect.

Dover native Christopher Corbett, aka Chris Skillz, is a lyricist to the core, and he has the resume and fanbase to prove it. Since 2010, Chris, now 31, has released five mixtapes and one studio album. During that time his music has been played on Sway in the morning, Shade 45, he has collaborated with hip-hop legend Raekwon, and traveled twice to SXSW in Austin, Texas.

His path has been far from easy. From the beginning of his career, Chris has been outspoken about his battles with depression and suicidal thoughts. He uses rap music and his work as a youth rehabilitation counselor to help deal with the struggles that come with mental illness.

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On Feb. 6, Chris will release his sophomore album, “Eternal Bliss,” which features some big names in hip-hop such as New York MCs Mickey Factz, Skyzoo, and Big Pooh of the group Little Brother.

We linked up to talk about his new album, how he’s been able to collaborate with so many well-known artists, how being a victim a sexual abuse in a broken home led impacted his depression, and how being a father has given him a new lease on life.

Q: So let's start from the beginning: When did you become Chris Skillz?A: Well, I first started writing in 2005 but I didn’t really start releasing projects till 2010. For me, hip-hop was an escape from my reality. Growing up, moving from house to house and dealing with being sexually abused left me with a lot of mental issues and pain that I still cope with to this day. Music was always my outlet.

Q: So many people deal with mental illness like depression and suicidal thoughts. But not everybody is aware of what it feels like. If you could, explain what it's like to cope with these issues.A: It's an everyday fight to deal with depression. One day you're happy, and the next day you are down. Sometimes it can hard to find a reason to keep living. You literally have to battle your own thoughts. Like, right now having a little girl has really been a blessing, but it doesn't stop the thoughts and tough times from coming -- it just gives me more of a reason to be here for her and my family. Being a victim of sexual abuse is hard because something as simple as my wife touching me a certain way can trigger things. Sometimes ending your life feels like the only way to escape it but I continue to battle through that and live another day.

Q: Despite your personal struggles you have made a lot of noise in your eight years as a rapper. What helped you get connected with so many well-known artists?A: Well my homie Reggie used to be my manager and he made some great moves and put me in position to build a fanbase beyond Delaware. When I met Skyzoo I was doing a show in Brooklyn and he was on the bill. I just met him there and ran into him again at SXSW in Texas, and for the album I just reached out to him and he blessed me for this new album. He's a real genuine guy who was willing to meet up in person and everything, so I'm just blessed. But the truth is all these guys have to believe in your vision when they hear your music. They don't work with just anybody.

Q: Why name the album “Eternal Bliss”?A: Because now I'm chasing my happiness, my eternal bliss. Now that I have a child and a family of my own. I have so much more to live for, but that doesn't mean happiness just comes every day. It's a constant process and I just take it day by day. I just want someone to feel like they can relate to my album and it helps them be free to talk about it.

Q: What is your plan for the rest of 2018? Another project or maybe a tour?A: Right now I’m just going to push this album but I could honestly release multiple projects a year but I want to be strategic with this release. Next month I am bringing Mickey Factz down to Allure in Dover for a show. We got a crazy lineup for that show so it's going to be a can't miss event for sure!!